The Princess Bride turns 25 – it’s inconceivable but true

This week, The Princess Bride celebrates its debut into the hearts of millions, 25 years ago in September 1987. Rob Reiner’s film has become one of the greatest love stories ever told to feature Rodents of Unusual Size.

My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

William Goldman’sscreenplay of his own book of the same name features a story within a story about the trials and tribulations of the two young lovers Buttercup (Robyn Wright) and Westley (Cary Elwes), how he left to make his fortune but was captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts, how she was so desolate that she considered marrying Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), and the adventures of her rescue.

The grandfather (Peter Falk) reads the book to his sick and bed-bound young grandson (Fred Savage) over the course of an afternoon, with cut-scenes showing the plot as we meet the short Sicilian outlaw boss Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), the Turkish giant Fezzik (André the Giant), and the incredibly gifted Spanish fencing master Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) before being taken to the Fire Swamp, the Cliffs of Insanity and other places of awe and wonder.

“Wait, is this a kissing book?” asks the boy. Yes, it features a love story. But it also captures on film one of the greatest sword fights ever filmed, incredibly clever and memorable wit, and fantastic characters such as true great stories of childhood are made of.

The Princess Bride is considered a comedy classic. A fairy tale with something for everyone at every level. With sincere performances from the actors, and a stillness and beauty from its core sentiments of what it is to be human.

Goldman has also been working on a sequel, the first chapter of which has been included in later editions of The Princess Bride. Called Buttercup’s Baby, it also has plans for a Broadway musical version.

The 25-year Anniversary Edition of The Princess Bride is available from October 2 from Amazon on Blu-ray. “Anybody want a peanut?”

About the Author

Evon Koprowski

Brand storyteller, creative strategist, content marketer and all round bon vivant at Red Fortune Media where I growth hack projects for the arts, culture, tourism, technology and social sectors.
I'm freelance - if I can help you, get in touch.

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